Opening barrel channel

[longtimeshooter]

I need some advise on tools for opening up barrel channels on a milling machine. Is a ball end mill the best solution?

 

[shortgrass]

Yes, if your stock is made of aluminum. A core box router bit or a round nose router bit (looks like a ball nose, two flute milling cutter, but it's a router bit) seems to work better for me. Less 'tear out'. 1/2" shank and high RPM.

 

[longtimeshooter]

Thanks for info!

 

[tclaunch]

shortgrass, what sizes would you recommend for opening up a stock for HV taper or even a 1.250" I have a friend with mill, I could buy the bits if I know a good source and sizes.

 

[butchlambert]

I buy mine here:

http://www.mlcswoodworking.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/smarthtml/pages/bt_core.html

 

[shortgrass]

shortgrass, what sizes would you recommend for opening up a stock for HV taper or even a 1.250" I have a friend with mill, I could buy the bits if I know a good source and sizes.

I've got no particular place where I buy bits, just wherever I can find what I want when I need it. I don't buy many. I only use the mill for "pre-inletting" when I don't have a pattern for a duplicator. All my final fitting is done by hand. Not fast, not easy, not cheap.

 

[Rustystud]

Check your mill spindle speed max out at 1800-2200 RPMs. Most Router bits are designed to turn 4000+ RPMs.
Nat Lambeth

 

[alintx]

I have several 1/4round x 1in end mills,new in box if they would help you. pm me if interested.

 

[katokoch]

I buy mine here:

http://www.mlcswoodworking.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/smarthtml/pages/bt_core.html

Those have worked for me too.

 

[Preacher]

Those core box cutter bits work just fine in a mill, they are not router bits, they mostly have 1/2" shanks and wouldn't fit in one anyways.....

 

[shortgrass]

Those core box cutter bits work just fine in a mill, they are not router bits, they mostly have 1/2" shanks and wouldn't fit in one anyways.....

One of my Dewalt routers has a 1/2" collet. Pretty common these days.